2017 spring reflections by Sunrise

Fr ee

Reflections

Spring 2017

Arenac County Independent | Ogemaw County Herald | Oscoda County Herald

xperience birding in Northeast Michigan Page 8

Becoming a Master Gardener through MSU Page 7

Oscoda County Council on Aging adds updates, personal touches Page 10

Page 2 • 2017 Spring Reflections

What’s inside ... Experience birding in Northeast Michigan Page 8

Oscoda County Council on Aging adds updates, personal touches Page 10

Becoming a Master Gardener through MSU Page 14

Staff

Composition Sharon Ehlert Merhia Adrian

Publisher Elizabeth Gorske Managing Editor Eric Young Design & Content Tiffany Nutt

specialsections@ogemawherald.com

Advertising & Sales Joyce Clark & Carla ReevesOgemaw County Herald Anthony Kachiros - Oscoda County Herald Anna Klingler - Arenac County Independent

Mid-Michigan Writers celebrates 40 years By Tiffany Nutt tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929

MICHIGAN — Mid-Michigan Writers, a group devoted to instruction and critique, celebrated 40 years March 2017. The group was started in Roscommon by Norma Rinehart Price, according to board of directors member Marylou Bugh. “Since, it has grown and (we met) in restaurants and churches and any other place you could think of,” Bugh said. The group now holds its bimonthly meetings at the West Branch District Library. “In years past we did things like we had workshops in the schools,” she said. In addition to workshops, the group has conferences and contests. “We’ve also done different writers conferences,” Bugh said. “In fact I think this is our 12th year that we’re doing our Gateway to Writing, which occurs at the arts council in Standish every fall.” Dora Lemske, a romance author, will be the keynote speaker for that event Oct. 8, she added. Mid-Michigan Writers has a young writers contest called Writing Out of Hibernation as well.

Some of the reasons the group has been together so long are the structure that is in place and the kind of critique the group uses. “We have to give credit to the original that started it,” she said. “We have set bylaws that we follow and it’s kept the group from wandering all over the place.” While some groups may pick apart a piece of writing, MMW prefers to give constructive criticism, landing between being too harsh and not harsh enough. “Usually our group meets to critique writers,” she said. “We have two readers for every meeting and then we have a quarterly meeting.” “We don’t critique ideas,” she continued. “Anybody from Republican to (Democrat) to a fantasy writer to any kind of writing, we critique technique. How is it good and how can it be better? And we’ve really kept that. Some groups I think fail because they just read their work and everybody says, ‘Yeah, good stuff,’ and don’t give critique, and other groups rip people apart. Sticking to those bylaws has been the thing that has kept us afloat.” For more information about the group, visit www.midmichi ganwriters.com.

2017 Spring Reflections • Page 3

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Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are two of the best things seniors can do to maintain their health. Exercise can delay or prevent many of the health problems associated with aging, including weak bones and feelings of fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a person age 65 or older who is generally fit with no limiting health conditions should try to get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, while also including weight training and muscle-strengthening activities in their routines on two or more days a week. Individuals often find that gyms have the array of fitness equipment they need to stay healthy. But many people, including older men and women who have not exercised in some time, may be hesitant to join a gym for fear of intimidation. Some seniors may avoid machines and classes believing they will not use the apparatus properly, or that they will be judged by other gym members. Some seniors may feel like gyms do not cater to their older clientele, creating an atmosphere that is dominated by younger members and loud music. Such misconceptions are often unfounded, as many gyms welcome older members with open arms. But even if seniors find gyms intimidating, they should still sign up for memberships. In such situations, the following tips can help seniors shed their fears and adapt to their new gyms. • Start the process slowly. Shop around for a gym that makes you feel comfortable. Get fully informed about which classes are offered and the benefits, if any, afforded to older members. • Get a doctor’s go-ahead. Make sure to clear exercise and gym membership with your doctor prior to purchasing a membership. He or she also may have a list of gyms where fellow senior patients have memberships. • Build up gradually. Begin with exercises you feel comfortable performing. Spend time walking on the treadmill while observing other gym members. Tour the circuit of machines and other equipment. Find out if you can sample a class to see if it might be a good fit.

• Find a gym buddy. Working out with a partner in your age group may encourage you to keep going to the gym and increase your comfort level. You each can offer support and enjoy a good laugh through the learning process. • Don’t get discouraged. Anyone working out for the first time, regardless of age, will feel somewhat out of place until exercise becomes part of a routine. Give it some time before throwing in the towel. Once you catch on, you may discover you enjoy working out. • Choose a senior-friendly gym. Some gyms cater to senior members. They may offer “SilverSneakers” classes at their facility. Other niche gyms may only accept members of a certain age group. Investigate these gyms if working out with a younger crowd is proving too great a deterrent. Fitness is important for healthy seniors. It can prolong life, help seniors maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk of injury.

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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each week women who are 65 years or older, are generally fit and have no limiting health conditions should combine at least two days of muscle-strengthening exercises with at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Women capable of more strenuous cardiovascular activity can substitute one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity with their 1 1/2 hours per week of more moderate-intensity exercise. The CDC notes that distinguishing between moderate-intensity exercise and vigorous-intensity exercise is pretty simple. Women can use a 10-point scale in which sitting is zero and working as hard as is physically possible is 10. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity will

make women breathe harder and elevate their heart rates, but should not make them feel completely drained at the end of a workout. These activities will register as a five or six on the 10-point scale. Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity includes those exercises that women would deem a seven or eight on the 10-point scale. Such activities should elevate the heart rate considerably and get women breathing hard enough that they will be unable to say more than a few words without pausing to catch their breath. No two women are the same and age must be considered when developing a healthy exercise regimen, but brisk walking may qualify as moderate-intensity aerobic activity while jogging or running would be considered a vigorous-intensity activity.

2017 Spring Reflections • Page 5

Retired teacher enthusiastic about writing By Tiffany Nutt

tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929

STANDISH — After retiring from the education industry, Chris Lucka has enjoyed spending her time writing and encouraging others to follow their dreams of the craft. she moved to Standish in the fall of 1975 to work at the high school, she said. “And I was a high school counselor there and often a class adviser,” Lucka said. “Until I left at the end of January of 2003.” In addition to being a counselor, she also taught adult education and American government during her time at Standish-Sterling Central. Her career as a counselor came from a spark during one of her first college classes at Eastern Michigan University. “It was to me very interesting,” she said. “And I was already in education anyway — history was my major for teaching junior and senior high — so then I pursued my master’s in counseling, and ultimately that is where I ended up.” “If I had it to do over again, I would choose the same career,” she continued. When Chris is not in Michigan, she is in Florida playing tennis or pickleball, swimming or traveling, she said. While Lucka lives most of the year in Florida, she enjoys returning to the Michigan community she still calls home. “I’ve lived a chunk of my life in Standish and like I say, it’s a good place to raise a family,” she said. “People are for the most part

friendly and we were happy to live there.” Lucka enjoys being an active member of her community by volunteering at the Northeast Art Center and being an audience member at the Summer Concert Series, among other things there. “I’ve known Gail (Schmidt) for ever and ever,” Lucka said. “And I’ve helped her with the student art show before and our Mid-Michigan Writers group puts on a one-day workshop every year in the fall, early fall, and we have it at the art council.” In addition to being involved at the art center, her summer plans include planting her flowerbeds, getting together with other retired teachers in the area with whom she regularly meets and being a part of a writing group that is celebrating its 40th year. She encourages others to write by acting as an editor. Being a part of the Mid-Michigan Writers, Lucka has grown her love of writing into helping other people write and revise their own work. “I still belong to Mid-Michigan Writers,” she said. “Our group meets out of West Branch. So down here I just stay in touch with them through internet. I do editing — in fact right now I’m doing a novel for somebody.” “It’s one of those, ‘When the muse hits, I write,’” she said. “I never know what I’m going to write about. If I see something in nature or my family or in the news or whatever that strikes my muse, then I write.” Mid-Michigan Writers mem-

bership is open to the public. Dues are $15 per year, and members get great feedback from other writers, Lucka said. “They meet the second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the West Branch Library, downstairs,” she said. “And anyone is welcome to come.” There have been members from all around the northeast including places like Midland, Pinconning, Roscommon, Gladwin, Standish, Sterling, Melita, Houghton Lake and West Branch. “I’m generally not a novel writer,” she said. “I have a children’s short story that I should see about publishing, I suppose, and I want to enter some contests that are listed in the Writer’s Digest magazine and keep on supporting writers.” “I’m keeping my hand in the craft even if I’m not writing too much,” she continued. Lucka said if a person is looking to get into writing, the best way is to jump in headfirst, then revise. The group is for new to seasoned writers, she said. “Just write,” she said. “Write and come to a group like Mid-Michigan Writers. We are there to support writers and to help the craft of writing. And don’t be afraid of critique because it is for their benefit.” Lucka went on to say the group always looks at both ends of the spectrum when critiquing — the good and the bad. “We’re all friends, but we’ve never become just a social group,” she said. “Our goal is writing and helping other people write.”

Chris Lucka also takes time to volunteer at the Northeast Art Center in Standish.

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Page 6 • 2017 Spring Reflections

Understanding, preventing and managing osteoarthritis As the most common chronic condition of the joints in both the United States and Canada, osteoarthritis affects roughly 30 million people in just those two countries alone. While osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in men and women over the age of 65. Understanding osteoarthritis and how to prevent and manage the disease can help men and women over the age of 50 reduce their risk and live more comfortably even if they develop OA. What is osteoarthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation, healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a flexible connective tissue that covers the end of each bone. Cartilage facilitates motion of the joints and serves as a cushion between the bones. When a person has OA, cartilage breaks down, causing swelling and pain and affecting the mobility of the joint. Over time, OA can worsen and cause bones to break down and develop bone spurs, which form when bones meet each other in the joints. OA can even advance to a point where cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, creating even more pain while damaging the joints even further. What causes osteoarthritis? Once considered a byproduct of the wear and tear the human body naturally endures over a lifetime, OA is now viewed as a disease, notes the AF. The following are some potential causes of OA. • Genes: The AF notes that certain genetic traits can increase a person’s likelihood of developing OA. Collagen is a protein that makes up cartilage, and, while rare, a genetic defect that affects the body’s production of cartilage can lead to OA occurring in people as young as 20 years old. Researchers have also noted that the gene FAAH is more commonly found in people with OA of the knee than in people who don’t have the disease. FAAH has been previously linked with pain sensitivity. • Weight: Being overweight increases a person’s risk for a host of ailments and diseases, and OA can be counted among them. Extra weight puts additional pressure on hips and joints, and over time those extra pounds can cause cartilage to break down more quickly than it would if the body were not carrying extra weight. • Injury: Men and women who have suffered injuries to their joints may be at greater risk of developing OA than those with no such injury history. • Overuse: Overuse of joints, tendons and ligaments can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and increase a person’s risk of developing OA. Cartilage also can break down more quickly in the bodies of athletes and people whose careers require them to stand for extended periods of time, bend over frequently and/or lift heavy items. • Pre-existing conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis and acromegaly may also contribute to the development of OA among people diagnosed with such disorders. Prevention and management of OA Men and women who maintain healthy weights and exercise regularly and appropriately may be able to prevent the onset of OA. Appropriate exercises include strength training that focuses on building muscles around the joints, even if those joints are already affected by OA. Strong muscles around the joints can reduce the pain associated with OA, while range-of-motion exercises can improve flexibility of the joints and reduce stiffness. Aerobic exercise also helps men and women maintain healthy weights while facilitating weight loss for those who are already overweight. Those already diagnosed with OA should speak with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen, and such conversations can also include discussions about the various medications that can be used to reduce symptoms of OA. More information about OA is available at www.arthritis.org.

2017 Spring Reflections • Page 7

Becoming a Master Gardener through MSU By Tiffany Nutt tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929

MICHIGAN — Michigan State University Extension’s Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-based program made up of people who are committed to making communities beautiful again by encouraging horticultural development, according to its website. The program has two main purposes: provide instruction, and train gardeners who can implement that instruction throughout Michigan by leading and/ or engaging in volunteer gardening projects. “It’s like a mini college course,” MSU Public Educator Sarah Rautio said. “To make you a bit of an expert in plant biology and gardening and flow-

ers and shrubs and dealing with pests and all of that. And the other part of it is it’s a volunteer program.” To receive Master Gardener certification, one must complete an educational portion and 40 hours of volunteer service. During the educational portion, topics covered include volunteerism, plant science, soils for plant growth, annuals and perennials, woody ornamentals, lawns, vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, integrated pest management, indoor plants, household and nuisance pests, diagnostics for Extension Master Gardeners and gardening practices to protect water. “It’s a pretty comprehensive training and then you have the ability to do this volunteer outreach in a variety of capacities,” she said. “There are lots of opportunities to pick a project, for

83,389 5,293,130 $122,112,509 14,256 846, 431

example. And then of course you can use that knowledge on a personal level for your own personal garden.” The 40 hours of volunteering can be anything from helping students plant a school garden or teaching how-to classes in surrounding communities. The initial cost to become a Master Gardener is $300 for a two-week required course, but scholarships may be available upon investigation. When certified as a Master Gardener, a continuing upkeep of 15 hours of community service, five hours of education and a renewal fee of $20 are required per year. “In a rural community we don’t have as many people as you would in an urban community,” Rautio said. “In the city you’ll have very, very large groups of Master Gardeners, (but) where we

Extention Master Gardener volunteers

volunteer hours

value of volunteer hours

newly trained Extension Master Gardeners

pounds of produce donated

2,026

community gardens

1,001

community gardens with youth involved

states reporting

This information provided was compiled from data collected from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee in 2015. The numbers reflected are from 2014 with data from 38 out of 49 states reported.

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live there are smaller groups so they spread themselves out as much as they can on projects.” While training sessions can be found all around the state, a session will start in Ogemaw County Aug. 17, 2017, at the Ogemaw County Annex Building, 205 Eighth St., West Branch. To register visit msue.anr.msu.edu/program/ events/master_gardener_ volunteer_program or call 989-3623449 and ask for Cindy or Sarah. “Right now we have some fabulous Master Gardeners, so anybody new coming into the program — they are going to get to meet and be around some pretty fascinating people,” Rautio said. “People who love to garden but also love working in communities. So we’ve got some really great people that are doing this.”

Page 8 • 2017 Spring Reflections

By Tiffany Nutt tiffanynutt@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929

Experience birding in Northeast Michigan

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN — The state bird of Michigan is a symbol of the coming of spring, but the American robin is just one of the many species of birds that call Michigan their native home. If you are someone who enjoys bird watching or are passionate about the preservation of birds and their habitats, there are a few groups and places to inquire about. In Oscoda County, the Kirtland Audubon Society is one of these groups. “I personally started it in 1995,” founder Paul Cleeves said. “I always had a supreme interest in birding and wildlife and I figured a lot of people up here would have the same interest.” The mission of the Kirtland Audubon Society is to promote the practices of sound conservation of our natural resources, particularly native birds, wildlife and their habitat, and to protect and improve the quality of our environment through participation, personal involvement and promotion of educational programs, according to Cleeves. These educational programs include things like having speakers come to talk with the public and/or children during or after school, and giving out books to elementary students at both Mio AuSable and Fairview Area Schools annually. “We have about 35 members now,” he said. “And that’s a low amount. We are getting more members all the time and we encourage people to join.” The annual membership fee to be a part of the Kirtland Audubon Society is $12 for a couple, $7 per individual and $2 for a student. The group meets every fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Clinton Township Hall in Comins. “You just have to be alive,” Cleeves said jokingly. Its meetings operate in a round-robin discussion format where topics like conservation issues and things related to birding are addressed. “We also have birding trips,” he said. “We have trips to Tuttle Marsh, and to Tawas State Park and the Kirtland’s Warbler tour.” Another group that is passionate about birds is the Wildlife Recovery Association out of Shepherd. While this group isn’t local,

it travels all around the state presenting birds of prey to children to encourage education. “(People from) birding rehabilitation places like Joe Rogers would bring a lot of wild, live birds up with him — birds of prey, all the hawks, falcons, maybe eagles,” Cleeves said. “And we do like to make it public and have the school kids come in.” “He puts on a real good show, very educational,” he continued. Rogers — a biologist — and his wife Barb, who is the organization’s manager, visited both the Au Gres Community Library and the Mary Johnston Memorial Library in summer 2016. The couple’s main goal is education, Barb Rogers said. “Our main focus is education and we do presentations all over the state to help people understand them a little better,” she said. “And we take the live birds that — some of them cannot be released, and as long as they can be stable and work well into a program, then we can usually put them on our permit.” “The more you can inform them about these birds, the more they want to learn,” Barb Rogers said. “And once they get going on it they become stewards of the environment.” Nest box building, brush piles, water sources, pollution types and insect preservation are all topics the couple teaches students and adults about when presenting. “We really promote nest boxes because a lot of the birds that we work with — birds of prey — are cavity nesters, which means they like a hollow tree or a hollow place somewhere,” she said. “Sometimes they will nest in old barns or something like that, but that includes things like the American kestrel — which is a falcon — screech owls, wood owls, barn owls, they are all cavity nesters.” More than 50 species of birds will use nest boxes, according to Barb. “The one things that I want people to know is if they do build a nest box like that — for screech owls or kestrels — if they can build it bigger, that’s better,” Barb said. Along with Oscoda County’s Kirtland’s Warbler tours, bird enthusiasts can explore the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail that runs through Arenac County, or the Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County. There are 145 miles that make up the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail, which runs from Standish to Mackinaw City along US-

Make a house for a cavity nester

23. To view access points along this route or for more information visit www.us23heri tageroute.org. The rec area is more than 4,000 acres of streams and land that also has prime skies for area birds like eagles, loons, swans and songbirds. There are access points throughout the recreation area, which are great for

Building houses for feathered friends Right, Joslyn Gipson, 3, of Mio listens to instructions before putting together a birdhouse with some help. Below, Kirtland Audobon President Bill Houston welcomes families to the event.

Above, Korbin Pullum, 3, of Mio holds up his birdhouse that is nearly as big as he is. At right, Miles Pullum, 5, pulls the trigger while Ken Troyer steadies the tool.

catching a view of a bird in flight. These places are available by vehicle or by foot on the more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Whether looking for a leisurely birding walk or a hike to get a glance at a bald eagle, these areas are rich in feathered wildlife.

rea kids were able to build birdhouses at the Oscoda County Library April 22 with members of the Kirtland Warbler Audubon Society.

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2017 Spring Reflections • Page 9

Great part-time jobs for retirees Upon retiring, many newly minted retirees find themselves looking for ways to fill their free time. Hobbies may not take up too much time, and travel can stretch retirees’ budgets. One way retirees can make great use of their free time and make a little extra money is to find part-time employment. Part-time jobs can help retirees maintain their connections with their communities, whether it’s their professional community or the community in which they live, while also providing a sense of purpose. Retirees interested in finding part-time work may want to consider the following jobs. • Consulting work: Many retirees have long resumes, and that experience is still valuable even after retirement. Consulting firms often

hire experienced businesspeople on a project or contract basis, which can be great opportunities for retirees to fill their time and make sizable amounts of money without having to commit to long-term employment. • Teaching: Retirees can also put their professional experience to work in the classroom. Inquire about teaching opportunities at a nearby university or even the local high school. Such opportunities may only be available on a volunteer basis, but some might pay part-time salaries or small stipends. Either way, many retirees find that working with young people helps them stay young, and passing on lessons learned to younger generations can provide a strong sense of purpose. • Seasonal work: Seasonal work is another great way

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Part-time consultant work may be just what retirees are looking for to fill their time and earn some extra money.

for retirees to fill their time and make a little extra money along the way. Come the holiday season, retirees should have no trouble finding seasonal retail work at their local malls or shopping centers. In warmer months, retirees may find seasonal employment at area beaches, golf courses or parks. • Sports teams: Retirees who live in cities with professional sports teams may be able to find work with their favorite franchise. Professional sports franchises often rely on retirees to staff in-game positions like ushers and concessions employees, and some may even hire retirees to greet fans. While the pay might not be great, such positions are ideal for retirees who happen to be big sports fans. • Crafts: Retirees with a love of crafting can turn their hobby into income. For example, Etsy.com makes it easy for creative entrepreneurs to post their creations and sell them to buyers all over the globe. Sellers often dictate how quickly they can make and ship products, so retirees need not feel worried about being rushed. Many retirees still work even after calling it a career, and opportunities abound for men and women looking to fill their time and make a little extra money along the way.

Caring for grandchildren In the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for various generations of a single family to live under one roof and for many different members of the family to play a role in raising the children. But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread out geographically. However, when the economy faltered and parents of young children realized they needed help, many returned to the old way of doing things. Grandparents stepped up to look after their grandkids, and adults moved back home with their aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with their children to make ends meet. A study of data from the Rand Corporation found that, of the 4 million children living with their grandparents in the United States, 2.5 million live in three-generation households. Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation households or ones in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The proportion of all grandchildren living in three-generation households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in recent years. Research suggests that split-generation households are usually formed when parents are no longer able to take care of their children because of physical or mental illness,

substance abuse or economic problems. Three-generation households, on the other hand, are generally formed because of problems parents encounter living independently, such as through separation or divorce or due to unemployment or economic need. Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many feelings in grandparents, from nervousness to excitement about a fresh face around the house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming for elderly men and women, but the following are a few tips that can make the process easier. • Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge your feelings, you are on the right path to making things work and recognizing possible obstacles. • Expect mixed feelings from others. Grandchildren and your own children also may be apprehensive about this new living situation. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and come to a consensus on how things will be done. Expect it to take some time to establish a schedule, and don’t be discouraged by any initial behavioral problems. • Take care of yourself. Grandchildren, particularly young ones, can have a lot of energy and may require constant attention. Caring for such lively youngsters can be taxing on grandparents, who must make their own health and nutrition a priority. Give yourself some time for recreation and rest. Have grandchildren help out where they can. Don’t feel you have to spend every moment entertaining them. • Ask for help when needed. Reach out to friends or community members if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of resources available to you, and many organizations, including AARP, have their own tips for assisting three-generation households. Multi-generational households are common once again. Families who work together can make the most of such living arrangements.

Page 10 • 2017 Spring Reflections

Oscoda County Council on Aging adds updates, personal touches MIO — The building that serves community seniors got some recent updates in the way of new tables, paint on the walls and homey decor. When Merianne Tappan took over as director at the Oscoda County Council on Aging at the beginning of 2017, she wanted to make some improvements, she said. “It just looked like a Metalfab building turned into a senior center,” Tappan said. “We got some color and we painted (the walls), threw up some new lights. Right now we have the money to buy the round tables. That’s our main goal — to make it more restaurant-style.” The center will receive 10 new 48inch round tables — different from the current rectangular tables — four to six weeks from May 15. While the number of seats will shift from 64 to 60, in changing the shape, Tappan hopes to encourage interaction and conversation among people. “We’ll also have the regular long tables in case we need more room — we have plenty of chairs,” she said. Another goal with these updates is to make it more colorful, more personal and thus more inviting, Tappan said. “Sarah Smith made a little coffee station,” she said. “We’ve got mugs with their names on it to make it a little bit more personal.” The crew at the council on aging researched the DIY updates and painted, Tappan said. “They volunteered their weekend here

to do it,” she said. “Friday night, all of Saturday, all of Sunday.” “They did a really good job to make it just more comfortable,” she continued. These additions to the center were financed through fundraising events and item donations. “We did a rummage sale, bake sale, so that raised quite a bit of money,” Tappan said. “We made about $1,088 on that and then we had a pizza party; that raised a lot of funds — we made like $1,300 bucks on that. That helped pay for all the paint and the pallets were free. I had a bunch of the lights (and) a lot of the lights were donated.” The piece of furniture that has a new life as a coffee station was donated as well, she said. “Really we just had to pay for paint and there is a few specialty lights that we paid for, but it didn’t really cost much at all,” Tappan said. “I’m going to say $300 so far that we’ve had to use.” The next big thing that the senior center might see is a deck or platform outside the building where dances could be held, Tappan said. However, there is no set timeline. “I had a lady stop by — we have all this property out here — and say, ‘That’d be awesome if you could make a big porch out there, you could have dances,’” Tappan said. “So that’s our next project. We know what to do to raise the money. The pizza party was a great hit.” The Oscoda County Council on Aging is located at 429 N. Mount Tom Rd., Mio.

By Tiffany Nutt

Monogrammed coffee cups hang from a reclaimed wood pallet above the new coffee station at the Oscoda County Council on Aging.

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Reclaimed wood pallets are now hanging throughout the dining area at OCOA.

Left, a sitting area is set just inside the entrance of the senior center. Right, a wood pallet hangs above the new coffee station.

Avoid aches and pains when gardening this spring

People who have not spent much time in a garden may not consider this rewarding hobby much of a threat to their health. But as veteran gardeners can attest, gardening can contribute to nagging aches and pains that can force even the most ardent green-thumbers indoors. Gardening is a physical activity that, despite its peaceful nature, can be demanding on the body. Thankfully, there are several ways gardening enthusiasts can prevent the aches and pains that can sometimes pop up after long days in the garden. • Use ergonomic gardening tools. Ergonomic gardening tools are designed to prevent the types of aches, pains and injuries that can cut gardeners’ seasons short. Gardening injuries can affect any area of the body, but injuries or aches and pains affecting the back, wrists and hands are among the most common physical problems gardeners endure. Look for ergonomic tools that reduce the strain on these areas of the body. Even arthritis sufferers who love to garden may find that ergonomic tools make it possible for them to spend more time in their gardens without increasing their risk for injury. • Alternate tasks. Repetitive-strain injuries can affect gardeners who spend long periods of time performing the same activity in their gardens. By alternating tasks during gardening sessions, gardeners can reduce their risk of suffering repetitive-strain injuries. Alternate tasks not just on muscle groups worked, but also level of difficulty. Remember to include some simple jobs even on busy gardening days so the body gets a break. • Take frequent breaks. Frequent breaks can help combat the stiffness and muscle aches that may not appear until gardeners finish their gardening sessions. Breaks help to alleviate muscles or joints that can become overtaxed when gardening for long, uninterrupted periods of time. When leaning down or working on your hands and knees, stand up to take breaks every 20 minutes or the moment aches and pains start to make their presence felt. • Maintain good posture. Back injuries have a tendency to linger, which can keep gardeners indoors and out of their gardens. When gardening, maintain good posture to prevent back injuries. Gardening back braces can protect the back by providing support and making it easier for gardeners to maintain their posture. Tool pouches attached to gardening stools or chairs also can be less taxing on the back than gardening belts tied around the waist. Gardening might not be a contact sport, but it can cause pain if gardeners do not take steps to prevent the onset of muscle aches and strains when spending time in their gardens.

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